If you are considering enrolling your student in a STAAR prep course, Varsity Tutors offers private STAAR classes that may help them improve their study skills. The STAAR (State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness) exams are taken by all students grades 3-12 to determine what they are learning and whether they are ready for the academic rigors of the next grade level. Standardized tests can feel daunting, so a STAAR class can help build your student's confidence as exam day approaches!
One of the first things discussed in a typical STAAR course is the structure and content of the exams your student is preparing for. If you aren't sure what they should go over during STAAR prep class sessions, the chart below provides a breakdown of the STAAR schedule by grade level:
STAAR Test | Grade Level or Course |
Reading | Grades 3-8 |
Math | Grades 3-8 |
Writing | Grades 4 and 7 |
Science | Grades 5 and 8 |
Social Studies | Grade 8 |
EOC (end of course) | Algebra I, US History, Biology, English I, English II |
The beauty of private STAAR prep classes is that they are flexible enough to adapt to any student's needs. For instance, let's say that your student is in Grade 8. They have four STAAR tests on their plate this year: Reading, Math, Science, and Social Studies. A typical STAAR course might spend equal time on all four subjects, but most students are stronger in one or more than the others. Spending an equal amount of time on everything isn't the optimal solution in most cases.
Let's add that your student excels in reading comprehension, so you're not really worried about the Reading STAAR. Strong reading comprehension skills also make Social Studies easier, so that one is probably fine too. It looks like this hypothetical student might be best served by concentrating on the Math and Science STAAR exams, with maybe a little bit of review for the other two, during their STAAR courses. Of course, sessions could also focus on Reading and Social Studies in the opposite scenario.
Once you know which exams your student should concentrate on, STAAR prep courses might go over the specific contents of those tests. Returning to the example above, the following graphic breaks down the concepts on the Grade 8 Math STAAR exam:
STAAR Grade 8 Math Topics
- Numerical Representations and Relationships
- Computations and Algebraic Relationships
- Geometry and Measurement
- Data Analysis and Personal Financial Literacy
Again, working with a private instructor allows students to concentrate on any subject. If your student has strong algebraic skills but has a harder time with geometry, their instructor might provide extra geometry practice problems for more experience. A private instructor may also be able to incorporate your student's interests to make studying more engaging. For example, financial literacy can seem dry as a standalone topic, but framing it as saving for a video game may make it more interesting.
We also try to make STAAR test prep as convenient as possible. Our Live Learning Platform allows your student to meet with their instructor online, taking the hassle out of private STAAR prep courses. We also do our best to match every student with an instructor who meets your scheduling needs. After all, no kid should have to compromise sports, hobbies, or even relaxation time just to study for a test.
If you're ready to learn more about our STAAR classes, contact Varsity Tutors today for more information. Educational Directors are currently standing by to address any questions you have!

Connor: London STAAR course instructor
...this premise. As an experienced tutor, I have continually enjoyed seeing my students achieve lofty goals under my instruction. I specialize in tutoring biology, chemistry, physics, and economics for high school students. In addition to this, I also tutor students in college level general chemistry, general biology, organic chemistry, introductory physics, economics and for the...
Education & Certification
- Saint Louis University-Main Campus - Bachelor in Arts, Economics
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- ISEE
- HSPT
- SSAT
- +43 subjects

Jennifer: London STAAR course instructor
...to succeed, it is just a question of finding the right entryway into the material. Since teachers don't always have the time to work individually with every student, that's where a tutor comes in! I'm a strong advocate for Carol Dweck's growth mindset theory of education, encouraging students to learn and grow from their mistakes...
Education & Certification
- Smith College - Current Undergrad, Education and Child Studies and Theatre
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- PSAT
- SAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- +96 subjects

Rhea: London STAAR course instructor
...have worked as an assistant teacher for ESL (English as a Second Language) and volunteered as a tutor in both regular and AP subjects throughout my high school years. I have a BA in International Studies, with a minor in Business Administration and a certificate in Community Based Participatory Research. I am very interested in...
Education & Certification
- American University - Current Undergrad, International Relations, Business
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- ISEE
- SHSAT
- ACCUPLACER
- +338 subjects

Oly: London STAAR course instructor
...to teach Science for grades 7-12. I have been a teacher in public and charter schools for the last four years, and have tutoring experience extending over ten years behind me as well. I am most passionate about teaching because I love seeing people learn, grow, and become problem solvers and leaders of the future....
Education & Certification
- University of California-San Diego - Bachelor of Science, Neuroscience
- Michigan Technological University - non degree, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- SAT Subject Tests
- SAT
- STAAR EOC
- +138 subjects

Kristie: London STAAR course instructor
...integrated UCSD students with ethnically diverse, low income communities and youth all over San Diego county through an after school education curriculum. The principles of the program are that children can learn through nontraditional measures such as technology, play, and self-expression. All of the communities involved were bilingual communities such as the Spanish immersion program...
Education & Certification
- UC- San Diego - Bachelor in Arts, Communications
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- SSAT
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- ISEE
- +28 subjects

Kewanta: London STAAR course instructor
...I graduated from Sarah Lawrence College in New York and received a BA. Sarah Lawrence offered a unique experience as it did not place students in boxes or categories. I was free to take classes in a variety of subjects. I was also encouraged to submit assignments in creative ways. My experience at Sarah Lawrence...
Education & Certification
- Sarah Lawrence College - Bachelor in Arts, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- Test Prep
- Math
- +27 subjects

Madeline: London STAAR course instructor
...feel comfortable when I am tutoring them and I believe all students have the ability to improve. I am very comfortable teaching all subjects for grades up to 9th grade and, when dealing with high school courses, I love to tutor most math and science courses including many AP courses. I also have a lot...
Education & Certification
- Johns Hopkins University - Bachelors, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- SAT
- ACT
- CLEP
- +117 subjects

Kay: London STAAR course instructor
...10 years in the classroom as a Substitute Teacher and countless years as a tutor. I have extensive experience with learners who have other contributing factors which hinder them academically. It is my belief all students are able to achieve academic success and I work tireless to identify strategies to assist them in overcoming hurdles....
Education & Certification
- Southern Illinois University Edwardsville - Bachelors, Psychology
- Webster University - Master of Arts, Counseling Psychology
- Webster University - Masters, Business Administration and Management
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- ASVAB
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- K-11th Grade Standardized Tests
- +75 subjects

Nazish: London STAAR course instructor
...of my classroom is providing foundational learning that is in accordance with the Texas Kindergarten curriculum for those students who are not yet able to enter Kindergarten due to mandated age requirements. Along with abundant experience with all preschool years, I have assisted children in many elementary grade levels. My strongest subjects to tutor are...
Education & Certification
- The University of Texas at Dallas - Bachelor of Science, Child Development
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- English
- Essay Editing
- College Essays
- +11 subjects

Nicole : London STAAR course instructor
...I have taught (in New York City) preschool, kindergarten, 1st, 5th and special needs as well as working as an aide in grades 2,4,6,7 and 8. This has allowed me to familiarize myself with curriculum content and expectations in a range of grades. Since moving to the PA/NJ area, I am working as an itinerant...
Education & Certification
- Northeastern University - Bachelors, American Sign Language and English Interpreting, History
- Teachers College at Columbia University - Masters in Education, Education - Deaf and Hard of Hearing Education
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- ISEE
- HSPT
- Government
- +26 subjects

John: London STAAR course instructor
...Academy of Dramatic Arts in NYC in 2008, the oldest English speaking acting conservatory in the world. I graduated Summa from University of St Thomas with a BA in English, and just wrapped up a MS in Data Science from Northwestern. I'm a huge Red Sox fan and love watching detective shows when I have...
Education & Certification
- American Academy of Dramatic Arts - Associates, Acting
- University of St. Thomas - Bachelor of Fine Arts, English/Drama
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- ACT
- SAT
- ISEE
- +110 subjects

Kimika: London STAAR course instructor
...street. I like to explain the problem and have the student teach it to me to make sure everything is understood. I also love giving helpful hints and shortcuts on solving certain equations. I think that I am a very flexible person when it comes to my tutoring style. I know that everyone learns differently...
Education & Certification
- Amherst College - Bachelor in Arts, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- Geometry
- Elementary Math
- Trigonometry
- +8 subjects

Nick: London STAAR course instructor
...one on one, and walk you through examples. Maybe you just want someone to check your homework for errors, or make sure your essay makes sense. I am available for all of this help and more. But the one thing I promise is a stress free environment. It is easier to learn when things are...
Education & Certification
- University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill - Bachelors, Geology / Ancient History
- Iowa State University - Masters, Geophysics
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- STAAR EOC
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- High School World History
- +59 subjects

Kimberly: London STAAR course instructor
...M.Ed. from the University of North Texas in Educational Administration. I pride myself in learning about my students and their needs, and I want to build a rapport with them to build their confidence and academic skills. I specialize in elementary reading skills, social studies, and test preparation. I also specialize in TEXES exam preparation....
Education & Certification
- The University of Texas at Dallas - Bachelor in Arts, Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General
- Amberton University - Master of Arts, Mental Health Counseling
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- GED
- ISEE
- MAP
- +86 subjects

Jenna: London STAAR course instructor
...two dogs and a cat who are my life, and I always have my nose in a book and am listening to another one in my car. I love spending time with my friends and am a sucker for a good movie. I'm always planning my next trip and excited to eventually visit all the...
Education & Certification
- The Texas AM University - Bachelor in Arts, English
- University of Southern California - Master of Arts, Creative Writing
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- GED
- PSAT
- SAT
- +52 subjects

Shreyas: London STAAR course instructor
...in general since I took those courses during my high school and undergraduate career. To me its like a puzzle and thus I enjoy helping students piece together the knowledge. I like to start off tutoring by establishing a basic foundation so that we are on the same page and use a step wise learning...
Education & Certification
- The University of Texas at San Antonio - Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
- American University of the Caribbean - Doctor of Medicine, Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- SAT
- ACT
- PSAT
- +60 subjects
Education & Certification
- The University of Texas at Austin - Bachelor in Arts, Linguistics
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- ACT
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- COMPASS Writing Skills
- +39 subjects

Jennie: London STAAR course instructor
...Problem solving is one of my strong suits and I know that my organizational skills will work well for me especially when having to work towards a Master's degree. Many times people may say that their parents are their motivation to getting through life and making it where they are today but I have to...
Education & Certification
- University of Houston-Downtown - Bachelor in Arts, Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- ESL/ELL
- SAT Reading
- Elementary School Reading
- +7 subjects

Omar: London STAAR course instructor
...a teacher and to this day I continue to learn as much as I can about a variety of subjects. I currently work for MD Anderson Cancer Center in their Radiation Physics department. We perform output calibrations for particle accelerators that give radiation therapy to patients. I plan on continuing my education to become a...
Education & Certification
- University of Houston - Bachelors, Biochemistry
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- PSAT
- GED
- SAT
- +122 subjects

Kennikka: London STAAR course instructor
...reading/writing and being able to analyze a text in ways that they never knew that they could do. I love reaching and teaching students on all levels to help them to reach their academic goals as well as build confidence. I live by a simple teaching philosophy. I call them the 3 C's (Caring, Compassion,...
Education & Certification
- University of Phoenix - Bachelors, Psychology
- Texas A & M University-Commerce - Current Grad Student, Curriculum and Education
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- Study Skills
- English
- +15 subjects